Fifa president Infantino steps into Emiliano Sala transfer row as he orders Cardiff and Nantes to reach agreement

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has ordered Cardiff and Nantes to reach an agreement over the Emiliano Sala saga.
The Argentine striker, 28, died in a plane crash last month just days after signing for the Bluebirds.

Gianni Infantino has ordered Cardiff and Nantes to reach an agreement over the Emiliano Sala sagaGetty Images – GettyNantes have complained to Fifa after Cardiff fail to pay Emiliano Sala’s transfer feeAFP

The French club lodged a complaint with Fifa after Cardiff failed to make a first £5.13million instalment of the £15m fee.

Now Nantes want Fifa to force Cardiff to pay up, despite the Welsh club citing “anomalies” with the deal.
Fifa confirmed they had received a complaint.

And Infantino said: “Nantes turned to Fifa.

“It’s a dispute over a contract but there is a human dimension to this drama that makes us more than sad.

Emiliano Sala was Cardiff’s record transfer after signing a £15m dealAFP

“I would like to see the clubs find an agreement. If not, Fifa will deal with it.”

Cardiff were due to make the first payment by February 5 and then had a later deadline of February 20 extended by a week.
But Nantes, who owe Bordeaux half of the fee through a sell-on clause, decided to force the issue.

Cardiff have insisted they will not pay until the investigation into the crash is completed.

Cardiff have insisted they will not pay until the investigation into the crash is completedGetty – ContributorNantes owe Bordeaux half of the fee through a sell-on clauseAFP or licensors

The Bluebirds want answers to ten specific questions, including the role of agent Willie McKay and issues around Sala’s fatal flight.